Ursuline College will host the annual Innovations ’11 fashion show on Sunday, May 1, 1-2 PM in the College’s Matthew J. O’Brien Athletic Center, 2550 Lander Rd, Pepper Pike. Open to the public, the event features clothing designed by Ursuline fashion students and will include more than 50 original creations for women.

“It’s always exciting to watch our fashion design students unveil their original collections,” said Dr. Constance Korosec, Ursuline’s fashion design, merchandising and interiors chair. “The goal is to offer students real world design experience by providing an exciting forum in which they can showcase their creativity.”

“Midnight Monet,” “Secret Harmony,” “Cosmic Journey” and “Olive Women” are some of the collections featured in this year’s show. Attendees will view a range of women’s wear designs from casual and flirty dresses to elegantly embellished gowns.

Senior Melissa Watson of Chagrin Falls said her “City Lights” line was designed to create a trendy look for a city girl. “I used bold prints and leather,” said Watson, who commented that she was inspired by designers Roberto Cavalli and Emporio Armani. After commencement, Watson plans on getting a job in fashion design and would like to get a master’s degree in textiles or design.

Fashion design junior and Euclid resident, Natalie Koch was inspired by flowers and used the beauty of color for her “Charming” collection. “My garment colors consist of navy and neutral with an added hint of floral and lace,” said Koch. In the future Koch would like to become a fashion consultant and work as a personal stylist.

“Secret Harmony” was designed by Senior Jody Scimone of West Farmington. “My inspiration for the collection was based on free thinking and peacefulness. My collection is a combination of bright and dull colors, woven and knits and has lots of movement,” said Scimone, who commented that her collection is fancy and is set aside from normal business wear. Scimone hopes to eventually become a designer in California.

Ursuline’s students prepare for the fashion industry through rigorous course work in design, merchandising, retail, graphics, textiles, apparel construction and production culminating in a senior fashion show.

In addition, the College’s fashion design students participate in study trips throughout major US cities and have the option of attending New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology during their junior year. They also have hands-on access to the College’s costume collection that includes more than 3,500 pieces of 20th century American apparel and accessories.

Fashion show admission costs are $10 for adults, $5 for students and no charge for children ten and under. Tickets can be purchased at the door. For more information, call 440 646 8142.